Looks like Honda isn't the only automaker trying to cash in on the idea of a "sport hybrid." Toyota has just debuted its new line of Plus performance parts at this year's SEMA show, and the first vehicle to benefit from these new accessories is the Prius hybrid.

The Prius Plus Performance Package (say that three times fast) includes a seven-piece aero kit that still allows the sleek hatch to maintain its 0.25 coefficient of drag. The new front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts and rear diffuser are rounded off with an attractive set of 17-inch forged wheels wrapped in slick 215/45-series tires.

In an effort to keep things as economical as possible, the Prius' hybrid engine does not receive any upgrades, but the hatch's suspension has been tweaked to provide better overall handling. Sport-tuned lowering springs have been fitted and a rear sway bar has been put in place to keep things flat and stable during cornering.

Toyota will be offering the Plus Performance Package in limited quantities beginning in April of next year. Follow the jump for the official details and see the modded-up Prius for yourself in the galleries below.

The 2010 SEMA Show will mark the debut of the all-new Toyota Prius PLUS Performance Package, a new hybrid performance line by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). Developed to meet the evolving demands of the growing hybrid segment, PLUS enhances the driving experience for Toyota hybrid enthusiasts by offering cool and fun accessories that add sporty looks with performance handling. The new PLUS package also features several Toyota accessories that complement the Prius' core values of Eco and Advanced Technology. The end result is a more fun-to-drive, performance-enhanced Prius that maintains its industry-leading fuel efficiency.

The Prius PLUS Performance Package starts with a seven-piece aerodynamic body kit including a uniquely styled rear diffuser, which enhances its already sleek appearance and maintains its 0.25 coefficient of drag. The aero kit also includes front and rear bumper spoilers and side skirts, which are complemented by race-inspired 17-inch forged wheels. Their higher strength-to weight ratio assists in keeping the corner weight down and performance up, while maintaining the Prius' overall light vehicle weight and high fuel efficiency. The wheels are fitted with low profile 215/45R17 tires and have a custom offset, which increases track width yet maintaining Prius' rolling resistance.

The PLUS package delivers surprising traction and handling without sacrificing any fuel efficiency. Improved performance handling is achieved with the installation of sport-tuned lowering springs that provide a lower center of gravity, enhancing the vehicles on-road performance through quicker turn-in, enhanced steering response and improved cornering ability. A rear sway bar is added to reduce body roll for flatter, more stable cornering and maneuverability.

The package also includes exclusive floormats with a "PLUS" logo and a unique "PLUS" exterior badge.

The new Prius PLUS Performance Package represents the first installment of the new PLUS brand of accessories from Toyota and will be available in limited production beginning in April 2011.

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Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

I see these people driving Prius' ... 1) really old farts 2) soccer moms with one kid 3) people who eat tree bark for breakfast. I don't think any of these will be buying a sports car version of it any time soon. But hey, on the other hand, it gets Toyota attention.

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

Has there ever been a Prius that was ever flogged over 3/10? This package meaningless unless the plastic was recycled from old granola bags.Now, a turbo on a smaller engine to increase efficiency would be nice, and delimiting the battery usage from its narrow charge range would help. The biggest complaint I've heard from drivers is the restricted rear visibility, a complete waste of a handy hatch.

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

What the hell is this....

The words "Sport" and "Prius" should never go next to each other in a sentence.. they are like oil and water.

Why do automakers even bother wasting the time and money to make a whole bunch of one-off modifications to their current models? Couldn't the money be better spent elsewhere, rather than at some "fun" sideproject?? I'm looking at you, GM and Chrysler.

Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

Oddly, it just might make it more economical. I don't know how much of a mpg penalty it takes with the higher-resistance rolling tires, but the new tires plus suspension tweaks could make it go faster around corners, and thus need less energy to get back up to speed.

Anonymous

Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

At least they're not putting this kit under the TRD badge...props for that. It would have been cool if they could have reduced the Cd by a few points with the bumpers/skirts though...this doesn't really bring anything to the table.

Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

Man, this is super lame. You don't tart-up a efficiency first vehicle like that unless it's to make it MORE efficient. Seal up the rear wheels, chop the roof line to lower the drag coefficient, strip the interior or replace it with carbon fiber bits, replace the batteries with more compact, costlier batteries, etc. There are lots of SEMA friendly mods and a whole new green-centric after-market demographic to sell to here. This seriously feels like Toyota phoned it in.